Hunting Rusa

[Hoyt_Trykon]

Gday guys, just wondering if any of you have any pointers on the best way to hunt these awesome critters??? Wat to look for, i.e signs, what there dropping look like, what they sound like, what they eat etc.

Thankyou for your help lads.

Justin

[howie]

Years ago when I became interested in deer hunting I took a trip down to Gerie Beach, in the Royal National Park. You will probaly see some rusa deer there, a walk thru the adjoining bush should show you plenty of rub trees, hoof prints, droppings and if you locate some fresh water, there's a chance you might see a wallow. Rusa like Lantana, to bed in or near and to eat. On a coolish morning you might see them bedded on a sunny hill. Where possible get onto a good vantage point and use your bino's, sit, watch and learn. Its a good excuse to take the wife/girlfriend on a picnic, or take a mate with you. Prime times to be there are day break and late afternoon when the deer will be moving. You will get plenty of information from one trip, good luck. Howie

[Hoyt_Trykon]

cheers howie,

thanks for that advice mate. Will take it on board. One lil question, would you suggest spot and stalk method or choosing a spot to sit and waiting for the deer to come to you??

cheers mate

[wazza_X force]

did you hear that HT, howie said they like lantana... the bloke wouldnt shut up about how much lantana there was, and he also said its a good excuse to take a friend!!!! :D :D :D

[Dongles]

I don't think you are going to have a problem finding lantana on the south coast!!!!!

[Hoyt_Trykon]

Thats for sure mate, its everywhere. The hard part is finding the deer. And also this may soudn like a stupid question but what does rusa droppings look like? Is it similar to roo?? how can u tell the difference??

[howie]

There are no hard and fast answers to your questions, both spot n stalk and waiting will both work when all goes right. If you find the animals bedded a stalk maybe appropiate, if you find a pad where they enter or leave the lantana to bed/feed - this might be where patience comes into practice and wait. Perhaps they are regularly wallowing somewhere, might be time to find a comfortable seat and wait. They might have a pop hole thru a fence to a feeding area, perhaps a tree stand might be the trick. There are numerous situations where you will have to decide on what to do based on the evidence, sign, rubs, beds etc. Best of luck and hope this helps Howie

[Grunter]

Hoyt_Trykon,
I would go along with the advice everyone else has given you. They are fairly placid as oppossed to other deer species, but are still a good challange thats for sure. I got some good footage on the weekend of a few, i will post when i can.
Grunter

[Antarcher]

I don't know about the deer down here being placid. The south coast rusa are one high wired creature. Many guys say they are about the toughest deer to hunt in Oz.

[Sparra]

When you falla's hunt up around the Gong and are on private property can you give me an idea of the size of the blocks you hunt on...I think I have gained access to a 150 acre block that is supposed to have plenty of deer on it but not too sure about hunting on such a small block....

[jindydiver]

Good on you Sparra, 150 acres of green grass will have plenty of rusa, not so many if it is all lantana and the green grass is two ridges over :lol:
150 acres is a good kilometre by halk a kilometre.

[Antarcher]

Sounds the goods. Sent you a pm.

[skinny]

i have to agree with you on this antarcher. they are becoming very smart animals :shock:

[bill.reflexGrowler]

ant knows loads about the rusa!
and i can show you stuff to if you come down!! :)